Foods That Make Your Teeth Stronger

You know that brushing and flossing is good for your teeth, but did you know that there are foods that can make your teeth stronger?  Below are several tips to getting stronger teeth, all through diet and good habits. 

How to Get Stronger Teeth

If you want stronger teeth, the key is to care for and strengthen the enamel.  Enamel is the surface of your teeth. The purpose of enamel is to protect the dentin and pulp of the tooth.  

While enamel is the hardest substance produced in your body, it degrades over time with exposure to acidic substances from food, drinks, and plaque.  Your body does not replace damaged enamel, so it is important to care for your teeth.  

Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

The best way to protect your enamel is to limit or reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks. The reason is because bacteria feeds on that sugar and produces acids that eat away at your enamel.  Candy and soft drinks are particularly damaging to enamel. 

Do Not Overbrush

Brushing your teeth too fast and too hard can actually wear down your enamel over time. When brushing your teeth you should use a soft bristled toothbrush and gently brush back and forth in short strokes. 

Use Fluoride 

Fluoride is excellent for oral health because it strengthens your enamel and also makes your teeth resistant to acids. Fluoride toothpaste should be used from the time you are a small child and throughout the rest of your life. 

Avoid Dry Mouth

If possible, try to avoid having a dry mouth.  The saliva in your mouth washes away the food in your mouth that can damage your teeth. To maintain a good amount of moisture in your mouth you can drink a lot of water or chew sugar free gum. 

Eat Foods that Strengthen Enamel 

You may know that calcium is good for your bones, but did you know it is also good for your teeth?  Not only does calcium strengthen your enamel, it also counters the acid in your mouth that causes tooth decay. 

Foods that Make Your Teeth Stronger

Now that you know why you should avoid sugary foods and drinks, let’s look at the foods that make your teeth stronger.  

Dairy

Dairy, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in both calcium and protein, two things that strengthen teeth.  Another positive about dairy products is that they encourage your body to produce more saliva, which also helps to protect your teeth. 

Apples

Apples make a great replacement for sugary treats.  They’re naturally sweet, full of fiber, and provide hydration, as well as help saliva production. 

Carrots and Celery

Carrots and celery are great sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.  Vitamins A and C are important nutrienst in keeping your gums and enamel strong. 

Lean Proteins

Lean proteins such as meat, poultry, and fish contain phosphorus.  Phosphorus is necessary for the health of your gums, teeth and jaw. It’s role is to aid in the absorption of calcium.  Phosphorus deficiency can result in chipping and breaking teeth. 

Water

The American Dental Association recommends skipping sugary juices and soft drinks and reaching for a glass of water instead.  The sugar in those drinks creates bacteria and acids in your mouth that can lead to tooth decay.  

Summary

Eating foods that make your teeth stronger is an important aspect in your oral health.  Dairy, apples, carrots, celery, and lean proteins are all foods that can strengthen your teeth.  It’s also beneficial to limit sugary sodas and drink water instead.